The Garden Centre Association’s garden centre members are being invited to nominate their Associate Member of the Year with the winner crowned at the organisation’s Annual Conference in January 2027.

The award recognises companies or individuals that have contributed to the success of the sector and are highly regarded and valued by garden centres.

GCA Chairman and Operations Director of Haskins Garden Centres, Ben Harrison explains: “We’re inviting our member garden centres to cast their votes for the supplier they believe deserves to be crowned GCA Associate Member of the Year 2026.

“Our Associate Members play a vital role in the success of businesses across the country and this award is an opportunity to celebrate the outstanding support, products, services and expertise they provide. It is one of the most respected accolades among our Associate Members and carries significant recognition within the industry.

“There are no set criteria for voting. Members can nominate the supplier that has made the greatest positive impact on their business, whether through exceptional service, innovative products, effective marketing support or any other contribution that has helped their garden centre succeed.

“The recipient of our prestigious Haskins Stewarts Cup will be revealed during our Gala Dinner at our Annual Conference in Stratford-upon-Avon on Tuesday, January 26, 2027.”

The GCA’s 2027 Annual Conference will take place on Monday, January 25 and Tuesday, January 26 at the Crowne Plaza, Stratford-upon-Avon. The event will bring together industry leaders, innovators and high-profile speakers.

GCA CEO Peter Burks adds: “Our Annual Conference is a fantastic opportunity for our members a to come together, exchange ideas, strengthen relationships and hear from leading business speakers.

“Our Associate Members play a vital role within the industry. Many suppliers are surprised to learn they can become part of the GCA. We welcome applications from businesses providing products or services that are relevant to our garden centre members and offer unrivalled opportunities to connect and network with more than 220 of the UK’s leading garden centres.

“For any supplier interested in joining the GCA and perhaps one day being recognised as our Associate Member of the Year, further information is available at https://gca.org.uk/suppliers/.”

The GCA’s current Associate Member of the Year, as voted for by garden centre members in autumn 2025, is Woodlodge. Smart Garden was placed second and Allensmore Nurseries third.

The GCA represents more than 220 garden centres nationwide.

Through sharing information and its inspection programme, the GCA helps members achieve high standards in customer service, plant quality and reliability.

For further information and to book tickets for the GCA’s 2027 Annual Conference, please visit www.gca.org.uk.